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Find a therapist in Lake Forest, CA — covered by insurance

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Top therapists in Lake Forest, CA accepting new patients

Lake Forest residents can access holistic mental health support through Headway's extensive network of 8,997 providers. From Foothill Ranch to neighboring Orange County areas, find empowering therapists offering flexible in-person or virtual sessions. Free intake consultations available, with many clients saving significantly through insurance coverage.

Salma Shah

Salma Shah

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I'm a relational trauma psychotherapist specializing in healing from childhood attachment trauma and how we see ourselves and relate to other, breakups, divorce, and toxic abusive relationships.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Velazquez

Jennifer Velazquez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Tustin, CA


“Her warm, nonjudgmental approach creates a safe environment for clients to explore difficult emotions and experiences.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, Relationship issues
Energetic, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Celia Fierro

Celia Fierro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, attachment wounds, grief, anxiety and relationship concerns. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, families, veterans, and military-connected clients. My path into psychotherapy began through fine art, consciousness studies and contemplative practice, which continue to shape my appreciation for creativity, meaning, and the complexity of each person’s experience. I earned my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, completed advanced training in psychedelic-assisted therapies at CIIS, and am pursuing a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Holly Kempler

Holly Kempler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that meaningful change begins with feeling safe, understood, and genuinely heard.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Van Nguyen

Van Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I have helped my clients resolve attachment issues by guiding them towards understanding the importance of secure attachment when it comes to mental health and well-being.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Maura Lynch-Loftus

Maura Lynch-Loftus

Therapist

In-person • 10 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I have psychotherapy expertise in working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Laura Rothafel

Laura Rothafel

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Tustin, CA


“My hope is that people leave with hope. Experience a sense of calm by understanding self and others with greater clarity.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Belen Cornejo

Belen Cornejo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Tustin, CA


“Therapy is not just about talking—it's about growth, healing, and learning new skills that can be applied to your everyday life.”
Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Brandon Owens

Brandon Owens

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.9 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


“Since becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I've seen how prioritizing mental health can bring more joy, balance, and resilience into everyday life.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Creative
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chelsea Sutter

Chelsea Sutter

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Tustin, CA


I specialize in working with adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress/anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. As a neurodivergent therapist who has navigated my own experiences with burnout, I understand how exhausting it can be to constantly feel "on" for everyone else. I’m especially passionate about supporting helping professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving folks who spend so much energy caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. I also bring my full personality into the therapy room (including humor, authenticity, and the occasional slightly twisted joke) when the moment calls for it.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jasmynne Spence

Jasmynne Spence

Therapist

In-person • 11 mi away • Tustin, CA


“As a Registered Play Therapist, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Clinician, and an LCSW, my goal is to support tiny humans and the ones that care for them manage the big emotions and all that come with them.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sandra Castillo

Sandra Castillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


“I believe that mental wellness is the foundation for a fulfilling life, yet I know that reaching out for help is often the hardest step.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Anne Marie Ruta Buchanan

Anne Marie Ruta Buchanan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Tustin, CA


“For anxiety, I provide psychoeducation on the brain and body's response to threat, and look for ways my clients behaviorally shift so that they can decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms that get in the way of them living their ideal lives.”
Anxiety, Grief or loss, OCD, Panic disorders, Stress management
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erick Santos

Erick Santos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


“As the child of Salvadoran parents who fled civil war, I have a personal understanding of how trauma, resilience, and generational patterns can shape our lives.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Lisa Billings

Dr. Lisa Billings

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 3.7 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


I work with adolescents and adults and offer individual, couples, and family therapy. I help individuals identify their goals and make the changes necessary to help them lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I am directive, and I provide a warm, caring and non-judgmental environment to explore the issues and life-events with which you may be struggling.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Melissa Paz-Medrano

Melissa Paz-Medrano

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Orange, CA


“I believe therapy is helping individuals reconnect with their strengths, build self-awareness, develop practical tools while moving toward healing and growth.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Rachel Mitchell

Rachel Mitchell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented. I work from a psychodynamic perspective to build a deeper understanding of what's shaping your thoughts, emotions, and relationships...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Eve Lievonen

Eve Lievonen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 8.5 mi away • Laguna Niguel, CA


“With over 30 years of experience, I have learned that real change happens when people feel understood, not judged.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Brenna Dumerton

Brenna Dumerton

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


“I'm committed to delivering holistic care, not only managing symptoms but also improving quality of life and overall well-being.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Brooke Huffstetler

Brooke Huffstetler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded, integrating Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and attachment-based therapy to help clients better understand patterns, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change.”
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Alexandra Schnack

Alexandra Schnack

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“My style is warm, personable, and grounded in genuine connection. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of meaningful change...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Melody Bacon

Dr. Melody Bacon

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My goal, as I tell my clients, is to help them fill their relationship skills toolbox so that they can utilize different approaches, not to change the other person, but to grow and change themselves so their lives work better for them!”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Manuel Cruz

Manuel Cruz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.6 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where I can meet my clients where they are and help them learn to become the best version of themselves.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Vimal Patel

Vimal Patel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


Hi, I’m Vimal Patel, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing and have a background in both psychiatric and intensive care nursing. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders using a combination of medication management and supportive therapy. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and centered around your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered on your mental health journey.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, OCD
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Michael Gapski

Michael Gapski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“I have been a therapist for 7 years in high acuity levels of care, and specialize in working with men, young adults, teens, and families.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Challenging, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
JC Pattugalan

JC Pattugalan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Orange, CA


“I operate from a combination of a Patient-Centered approach to therapy wherein I meet my patients where they are at while implementing a Biopsychosocial approach...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Arasha Alcaraz

Arasha Alcaraz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


Hello, my name is Arasha, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over seven years of experience. I aim to provide a safe space to hold and help you explore emotions, thoughts, and difficulties. I believe in the importance of using somatic approaches to help you build self-awareness and cultivate a deeper connection between your mind and body.

Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Shavvonne Walls

Shavvonne Walls

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“Imagine if your symptoms no longer controlled you. You feel safe and confident that you can face life challenges.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jose Cholula Bruno

Dr. Jose Cholula Bruno

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


“I specialize in working with professionals, athletes, coaches, trainers, and other high-achieving individuals to address areas of anxiety and stress.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Madeline Reams

Madeline Reams

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“My style is warm, direct, empowering, and a little humorous. I'll meet you with compassion, while also challenging you when needed...”
Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Diana Kogan

Diana Kogan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, ADHD, or past trauma weigh you down. You might be struggling with stress, grief, or relationship challenges, unsure of how to move forward. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy is a space to help you rediscover your strengths, gain clarity, and develop new ways to cope. Whether you're feeling stuck, disconnected, or simply looking for support, I’m here to help you find a path toward healing and confidence.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shelby Ammann

Shelby Ammann

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“I work with teens and adults navigating complex trauma, anxiety, sleep concerns, and depression—often when symptoms feel persistent despite effort or prior therapy.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Veronica Thurman

Veronica Thurman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Costa Mesa, CA


I have supported clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relational issues, personality disorders and trauma. I completed my M.A. in psycholoy in 2018 and since then I have worked in both private practice and school settings. I am also trained in EMDR. I use an eclectic approach to therapy that I tailor to meet the needs of each client.

Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nate Anderson

Nate Anderson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Costa Mesa, CA


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Laura Cabanillas

Laura Cabanillas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • San Clemente, CA


I have a Master's in Counseling and have practiced in the field of mental health for nearly two decades. My experience as a therapist includes extensive training and work in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, women’s issues, and spirituality. I am licensed in both California (LPCC) and Washington (LMHC), and I’m a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I also hold a certification in Grief (CGP). I emphasize a whole-person approach to care, considering the full spectrum of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that impact your overall health and well-being.

Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rodolfo Gomez

Rodolfo Gomez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I believe that a therapist can encourage you to recognize your strengths so that you can use them to help you grow.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Louis An

Louis An

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“I believe in self-determination. I am not a very directive therapist that will tell clients what to do and what not to do.”
Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jennifer De Santis

Jennifer De Santis

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Anaheim, CA


“I have a vast amount of experience in working with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, loss, infertility, perinatal and postpartum, trauma and more.”
Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Infertility
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christina LaMonica

Christina LaMonica

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Anaheim, CA


“I love the work I do and I believe the therapeutic relationship to be a powerful component for long-lasting change.”
Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elaine Brattain

Elaine Brattain

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Anaheim, CA


You have bravely ventured the move toward a more satisfying life. I too faced my own season of growth and refinement. A loss experience and compassion for others sparked my desire to pursue a master’s in clinical counseling from California State University, Fullerton.

Individuals enter therapy for a variety of reasons including loss, unresolved childhood experiences, difficult life transitions, changes in emotional states, troubling beliefs, or patterns of thought.

Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, PTSD
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
41 - 80 of

About our therapists located within 20 miles of Lake Forest, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Lake Forest, CA
There are over 121 therapists in Lake Forest, CA accepting new patients.
121+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 98%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 83%Stress management
  • 77%Relationship issues
  • 75%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 97%Aetna
  • 74%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 72%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 62%Cigna
  • 50%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 18%Spanish
  • 4%Farsi
  • 2%Hindi
  • 2%Mandarin
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 93%In-person or online
  • 7%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 79%Woman
  • 21%Man
License types
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  • 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 18%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 17%Nurse Practitioner
  • 11%Clinical Psychologist
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 34%Family therapy
  • 22%Couples therapy
  • 15%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right therapist for you

Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Lake Forest

Searching for therapists in Lake Forest starts with knowing what kind of support you want and which therapist’s experience matches it. People often look for therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, trauma, life changes, or work stress. As you compare therapists, look for specialties and approaches that fit your needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or trauma-informed care. A therapist’s profile can also show how they describe their style, what concerns they often support, and what you can expect in sessions.

In a smaller city like Lake Forest, local in-person appointment options may be more limited than in larger parts of Orange County. Virtual therapy can expand your options while still letting you work with a therapist licensed in California. Some people prefer an office visit close to home, work, or nearby areas like Foothill Ranch, while others choose virtual sessions for schedule flexibility. As you narrow your search, compare appointment times, whether the therapist is accepting new clients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading bios before booking can help you understand communication style, session structure, and fit.

Therapy in Lake Forest can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your preferences, take a wide range of insurance plans, and offer in-person or virtual appointments. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, review therapist profiles, and book directly when you’re ready.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.